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BMI Doesn't Tell The Whole Story, Health Risks Begin In Overweight Range 6/9/09 Being overweight is a health concern, and using only body mass index (BMI) to determine weight classification may not give an accurate picture of a person's health, according to an advisory published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. About one-third of the U.S. population is overweight - the middle range between normal weight and obesity. Overweight in adults is a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9. BMI is a numerical value of weight in relation to height. Studies that examined the relationship between overweight (as measured by BMI) and risk of death from all causes (often referred to as total mortality) have had contradictory results. However, considering death from all causes overlooks the role that overweight may play in the development of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Even among the young, overweight is related to the development of serious risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, obesity, elevated levels of cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Part of the problem with quantifying the true impact of overweight lies in the way it's commonly measured, say the experts. The widely-used body mass index doesn't distinguish between fat mass which is related to important health concerns - such as type 2 diabetes - and lean mass, including muscle, which reduces health risks. Also, BMI does not directly measure the distribution of fat, such as whether there is greater fat at the waist than at the hips, which may be more detrimental to health. Focusing on the relationship between total mortality and BMI misses the "larger picture," the statement said. "This larger picture includes important relationships between BMI and other health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and its risk factors," said Cora E. Lewis, M.D., M.S.P.H., lead author of the advisory and professor of medicine and public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Arguably, the most important relationship among the cardiovascular disease risk factors is diabetes, which is significantly more common in overweight than in normal-weight people." The advisory recommends doing research on overweight and health, beyond studies that focus solely on the relationship between total body mass index and risk of death. "Meanwhile, we cannot afford to wait for this research to begin addressing the problem of overweight in our patients and in our society," write the advisory authors. An increasing number of children are overweight, which puts them at risk for developing higher than normal blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar. "Weight gain is progressive and weight loss difficult. Although a young child is unlikely to have a heart attack, overweight children are likely to become overweight or obese adults, which puts them at risk for cardiovascular events as they mature. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight is of high importance for all Americans," said Lewis. Physical inactivity and excess weight increase risk of death and other adverse health outcomes; so overweight and obese persons in particular would benefit from adopting a physically active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. Advisory co-authors include Kathleen M. McTigue, M.D., M.P.H.; Lora E. Burke, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Paul Poirier, M.D., Ph.D.; Robert H. Eckel, M.D.; Barbara V. Howard, Ph.D.; David B. Allison, Ph.D.; Shiriki Kumanyika, Ph.D., M.P.H.; and F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer, M.D. Author disclosures are available on the manuscript. Source: Maggie Francis American Heart Association

Well... My understanding is that many of the products (like at GNC) that advertise they're for weight gain have lots of stuff other than Protein in them...like carbs, etc. I wouldn't use those. But some pure protein products are sold for weight gain, since they help to add muscle. The only real way I can think of to tell is to look at the nutrition label...how many calories/scoop or serving? Should be very little if it is just protein. What kind of ingredients are listed? For instance...Unjury powder is 90 calories per scoop, with 0 grams of fat, 3g total carbs, 20g of protein. Pro Gainer weigh gain supplement protein powder has 645 calories/serving, 7g of fat, 110g of carbs...

Hi All, Nightline on ABC will be doing a story on sleeve surgeries tonight 10/25 here is a link about it: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/fighting-weight-gain-radical-stomach-removal-surgery/story?id=11964731&page=1

Hi all! I'm on a week of the strict clear liquid diet. I"m only drinking shakes and Water and some crystal lite. Jello now tastes like metal to me, it's really gross. So, that's all I"m having. I have only lost a pound. I'm freaking out because the Dr. told me if I don't lose a lot more weight he won't do the surgery. Ugh. HiMow, you and I both have Dr. Oh. I was looking at his profile here and you were on there. He's one tough guy don't you think? My Dr. makes me nervous that he won't do the surgery. I haven't cheated AT ALL but because I only lost 5 lbs since the liquid diet he is threatening to call off the surgery and that was Friday and I've only lost like 3 pounds since then. Me = freaking out. LOL I keep weighing myself, I keep worrying if maybe 3 shakes is too many. What about water weight. I'm also seriously bloated because unlike the guys, we have that lovely weight gain before a menstral cycle. I"m a mess people! And I'm so so very hungry. LOL I only have 8 more days of eatting shakes and well...that's it. (I swear I"m so losing it.)

I have several reasons for choosing the Lap band over RNY or any other surgery. 1. I didn't want stinky poo like everyone I know who has had RNY or other weightloss surgeries. 2. I wanted a tool, not a quick fix. 3. Lap Band is safer! 4. It can be adjusted for my lifestyle (babies), weight gain etc. 5. Was available here in town, I wouldnt have to travel far for follow ups.

Got the band out on 5/23/13 and just received a call for KC Bariatic, they received the clearance from the cardiologist, waiting on the one from the pulmonologist which is on the way. See my PCP for weigh in on 17th and that will be it. See the dietatian on Thursday and then have to do something else, which I think I might have already done. Will know more of what it is, nurse is leaving a packet for me. So it looks like surgery in August for the bypass. Thank goodness, didn't want to fight any weight gain and think a couple of monthss will be manageable.

I would LOVE to replace the band with the 14cc band. .. but I guess im scared ill end up w the same issues. Im completely unfilled n throw up constantly with the 10cc. I kinda think my body needs a break. Im scared of weight gain too. However I eat soooo much healthier now. I love green smoothies, raw veggies, raw eating, clean eating. I follow amazing weight loss motivators on instagram. I also have become anemic and my primary seems to think due to lack of nutrients from lapband. So it restricts the amount of exercise bc I get light headed, dizzy, and nauseous. I guess I am just tired... emotional... and at my wits end.Sigh.

the way I was taught, weight gain is part of over eating

I've never smoked but I heard those pills can cause some crazy nightmares, but I know lots of people that they worked for. But is it the pill causing weight gain or substituting food in place of cig?

The holidays are here. And you may be feeling a little nervous about the challenges of upcoming celebrations if your weight loss surgery was recent. Then again, you may be over confident and think that weight loss surgery is all you need to protect against weight regain. In either case, some holiday survival tips are in order. Our discipline to diet and health will be tested time and again across the holidays. And so you should implement a holiday plan for success if you are sincere about maintaining your current weight through the tangle of holiday temptations. Gain Support from Family and Friends Be social and use your allies. Talk to them in advance about not pressuring you to eat foods that will sabotage your diet, if need be. And if you are feeling pressured, make them aware and ask for their support. If all else fails, politely excuse yourself and go somewhere for a 5-minute break (the bathroom if you must). When you return, the conversation focus likely will have moved onto another topic. Learn more “Post Weight Loss Surgery Holiday Survival Tips.” Similarly at these gatherings you may have to handle harsh or inappropriate comments about your bariatric surgery. People make inappropriate remarks for a few different reasons. Some have poor filters while others may think they are being helpful. Some have poor boundaries and others may be passive aggressive. Too much to drink is always a possibility. People can be rude and that includes family members. Learning to cope in a healthy way is the best choice, so here are some suggestions about what to do if an inappropriate comment is passed: Read, “Coping Skills after Weight Loss Surgery.” Practical Tips for Controlling Portion Sizes A moderate, healthy snack just before a celebration can help to control hunger and thus begin the afternoon or evening with a more reasonable appetite. Remember when making your plate that small portions of favorite foods are a better choice than tasting a little bit of every dish. And by all means do not sit by the serving tables. Mingle away from where the food is displayed. Controlling portion sizes is a vital addition to your plan! Get more tips, read, “Controlling Portion Sizes at the Holidays.” Weight Gain at the Holidays Isn't Just About Food Some people overeat at the holidays because there are seduced by rich holiday foods. Others have different motivations. They use food to relieve the holiday stress that inevitably creeps in for so many. Celebration and pressure often accompany one another. Some people overcompensate for the pending New Year’s diet resolution and eat with abandon through the holidays. Other people succumb to unrestrained eating because of a single episode of overindulgence. A breach of discipline can open the floodgates to weight gain at the holidays. Continue reading, “The Skinny on Weight Gain at the Holidays.” It’s Not All about Eating Healthy at Parties It is important to take the focus off of eating and instead turn your attention to the friendships and conversations around you. This is a time to give your attention to someone rather than some food thing. Before my gastric bypass, all I could think about was the food and drink being served. I was oblivious to what was happening around me! That has long ago changed for me… the reverence and importance of the gathering of friends and family is most important. For me it is a time of gaiety. And that is the richest experience of all. Respect yourself and your weight loss this holiday season. Living larger than ever, My Bariatric Life

I think salads just slip right past the band. Try eating a hamburger or a sandwich from Subway or something that has a bit more substance. Chew slowly and thoroughly of course That should fill you up. If it doesn't, or if it makes you sick, you need to talk to your doctor. You may want to talk to the doc anyway because sudden weight gain may be a sign of problems with the band. Remember that 50 pounds is a real accomplishment! Keep working at it and you will lose more.

This Says it ALL! This is from AOL Medical News Drink More Diet Soda, Gain More Weight By Daniel DeNoon WebMD Medical News June 13, 2005 -- People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they gain weight, a new study shows. The findings come from eight years of data collected by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Fowler reported the data at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego. "What didn't surprise us was that total soft drink use was linked to overweight and obesity," Fowler tells WebMD. "What was surprising was when we looked at people only drinking diet soft drinks, their risk of obesity was even higher." In fact, when the researchers took a closer look at their data, they found that nearly all the obesity risk from soft drinks came from diet sodas. "There was a 41% increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes each day," Fowler says. More Diet Drinks, More Weight Gain Fowler's team looked at seven to eight years of data on 1,550 Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white Americans aged 25 to 64. Of the 622 study participants who were of normal weight at the beginning of the study, about a third became overweight or obese. For regular soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was: 26% for up to 1/2 can each day 30.4% for 1/2 to one can each day 32.8% for 1 to 2 cans each day 47.2% for more than 2 cans each day. For diet soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was: 36.5% for up to 1/2 can each day 37.5% for 1/2 to one can each day 54.5% for 1 to 2 cans each day 57.1% for more than 2 cans each day. For each can of diet soft drink consumed each day, a person's risk of obesity went up 41%. Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly. "I've had nothing yet," Alice replied in an offended tone, "so I can't take more." "You mean you can't take less," said the Hatter: "It's very easy to take more than nothing." Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland There is actually a way that diet drinks could contribute to weight gain, Fowler suggests. She remembers being struck by the scene in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in which Alice is offended because she is offered tea but is given none -- even though she hadn't asked for tea in the first place. So she helps herself to tea and bread and butter. That may be just what happens when we offer our bodies the sweet taste of diet drinks, but give them no calories. Fowler points to a recent study in which feeding artificial sweeteners to rat pups made them crave more calories than animals fed real sugar. "If you offer your body something that tastes like a lot of calories, but it isn't there, your body is alerted to the possibility that there is something there and it will search for the calories promised but not delivered," Fowler says. Perhaps, Bonci says, our bodies are smarter than we think. "People think they can just fool the body. But maybe the body isn't fooled," she says. "If you are not giving your body those calories you promised it, maybe your body will retaliate by wanting more calories. Some soft drink studies do suggest that diet drinks stimulate appetite."

I’m 12-13 months out and I’ve regained about 2kg (5lbs) in the last 2 weeks. It’s seriously not that hard. I’m terrified! I’ve mostly stuck to healthy food I’ve previously eaten but in larger quantities. I’ve been snacking all day (lots of peanut butter and bananas which is only good in moderation), halo top and tons of dark chocolate (OK, not so healthy). My sleeve is not restrictive on halo top and chocolate. I need to refocus but it’s very difficult at the moment. I’m seriously struggling. I’ve had plateaus before but not gains. I’m devastated. I keep dreaming of hitting that elusive “healthy” BMI but it seems impossible. Is this self sabotage? My steroid medication? My weight doesn’t want to be this low? I have no idea! But yeah, not to alarm anyone but weight gain is not impossible. It’s not even that difficult!

Hi everybody's. I was sleeved 7 weeks ago. Starting weight was 239. After surgery I went up 10 pounds from air, Fluid etc. lost 28 pounds by 3 weeks and stalled for 2 weeks where I hovered at the same 2 pounds. Then I started to lose again and this past Saturday I was down to 207. Since then I have been creeping up and today I am 210.5. . I had been drinking a small decaf iced coffee with skim milk for past week so I cut that out 2 days ago. I am eating 3 meals and 2 Snacks Usually stay between 800 and 1100 calories a day and have 70-90 gems of Protein. I did go out to dinner on Sunday and ordered a chicken dish with a balsamic dressing. I only ate a very small part ( obviously) but then ate it 2 more times for different meals. Won't do that again. Been exercising but not enough it seems. So with all that... any advice, tips, words of wisdom?? I understand A stall but weight gain at this early stage but weight gain?? Very discouraging. I'm trying to look at behaviors and use this as a learning experience but I'm feeling down. I didn't go through all this to fail. Help!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well crap. So, I've been stuck at the same general area since October. Yes, there has been some movement, but it keeps going back up. Before leaving to visit family last week I had finally made it to 202.8 and was there for a couple of days. While away, I didn't weigh myself at all but I was doing fairly well about my eating. Typically, when I am back home, the stress of dealing with family BS makes me eat poorly. Well, when I got back home Tuesday night, I decided to weigh myself before going to bed. Well, guess what...finally onederland! 198.8 I didn't believe it, so I took off the PJ's and got back on. Still 198.8. Awesome! Logically, ince I had just eaten, that must mean I will likely weigh a little less or the same the next morning, right? Well, no. Wednesday morning I decided to weigh myself to see if there had been any change. Yes, there fraking had. 205.8. WTF!?! And tonight, 208!!! I am so f**king pissed right now. Bummed and eating horribly since Wednesday. Damn discount chocolate...I just don't know what the hell is going on. I work out and eat right, there's little to no movement. I eat farily well and don't work out, there's little to no movement. I imagine some of the weight gain in the passed few days has something to do with my period, but still...I'm just so sick of this. I need to go shoot something. Maybe my neighbors who blast their loud music in the middle of the night. Yeah...shooting them will make me feel better... Excuse me...I'll be back later. Okay...I'm back. How weird is it that this constant plateau has me feeling no different than how I felt before I had the surgery? It's as if I am still that 300lb woman who couldn't lose ten pounds to save her life. I look in the mirror or I look down at me and I see rolls. Not "smaller" rolls (because the fat rolls are smaller, of course), but just rolls of fat. I know these feelings will go away or at least die down once my period is over with and the hormones settle, but right now I just feel like crap.

Congrats, HagerTeresa: I know you are so relieved. Good for you! :clap2: Model Bandster, there is such a thing? QUICK! Get this strange and rare animal right in this chat room immediately. It's like a unicorn - if they exist, where are they? :eek: I've been banded for what seems like forever, have met a zillion other Bandsters and have never seen a model Bandster, in captivity or in the wild. Believe me, there might not be such a thing - so no beating yourself up. If occasional chocolate and the odd latte meant Band failure then no one would be posting the incredible success stories that we do see daily, with the band. And luckily, smoking is one vice I don't have (I'm more of a wine and cheese girl :nervous ), but when I go out to nightclubs with my Banded pals I'm continually amazed and how many of them light up regularly. (Three of my most successful banded patients - who have lost 380# between the three of them - now work for Band surgeons and they smoke. They are in brochures, at seminars, and in all the ads. And then they sheepishly light in up public and are embarrassed when people remember them from the seminars or the newspaper ads.Oy, vey! ) So if you quit for your own health, hooray, but so far it hasn't stopped my friends from losing 100# or more pounds with their band. In fact, I have two other banded pals who quit without any significant weight gain - and the band probably stopped them from the weight gain that a lot of patients fear when they are contemplating giving up smoking. So that's just something for you to think about. One thing at a time, eh? Absolutely, I agree 100%. I've honestly seen most band issues rear their heads around the 2-to-3 year mark, and nothing beats a good offense like a good defense. So a peremptory check to make sure everything is where is should be, is a great idea coming close to the 2-year Band anniversary. I highly recommend it to all Bandsters. Happy Band Journeys To All...

well which proteins shakes are for what?? i was getting the gnc protein powders and was just told they are for gaining weight. i have been using since i got banded! is there a difference of weight gaining and whatever other ones are out there? i'm getting confused here:confused:

I had the same side effects listed above. It radically changed my tastebuds. But since my weight isn't from binging/overeating junk the med didn't cause weight loss. I took a pretty high dose of it for migraines for several years... I think you'd be better served by tracking your food and activity for a few weeks to see if your patterns have changed. Even a regular 300 calorie difference can result in steady weight gain. Also, some go on GLP 1 meds to help with regain but their side effect profile isn't exactly kind either... Dealing with regain can be very frustrating!! I hope you find a good solution... 💚

I have not been banded and am in the "hurry up and wait" period. I have a hypo thyroid and have been medicated for the last 10 years. Yes it is with me for life, but as long as I stay medicated it will not cause weight gain. Have you been banded?? Are you on levoxal or the generic?? Have they regulated your meds yet?? It took years to get mine to where I was not on too much or too little. Hope this helps..Kimberly

Hi everyone. I’m new to the site and have just received confirmation that my band will be going ahead in September! I am so happy I just can't put the excitement into words!! I was diagnosed with POCS 9 years ago. At the time all I suffered from was irregular periods and very erratic moods. I managed to have 2 sons which I am very grateful for. As the years have past though my weight has increased considerably. This weight gain has caused other side effects like Hirsutism and Acne (the acne is mainly just my back) but the hair is on my face, neck, chest, breasts, stomach, arms, back, shoulders ect ect. I have fair hair and blue eyes but this hair is dark and coarse. Unfortunately the excess hair/acne combined with the weight gain and an unsympathetic husband meant my confidence and self esteem hit rock bottom. I became a shadow of my former self and avoided people and social situations. However, I'm pleased to say that things are looking up! I got rid of the unsympathetic husband a few years ago; I have a new career and my two wonderful sons. And I’m hoping that with the help of the band I will be able to lose some of these stubborn pounds and gain some of my confidence back. I was wondering though if anyone could tell me if the excessive hair does improve with significant weight loss?? Sally xx

I haven't had my first fill yet (Sept. 18th is the day) and I'm at a conference this week where there is food and drink everywhere!! Outside of each meeting room there is a supply of junk food (chocolates, chips, Cookies, ice-cream etc..). And the cafeteria serves food all day long - no $$ needed....I can't believe the amount of food here - if I weren't banded I would have easily gained 5 lbs per day...as it is I've gained 3 lbs in 3 days and have 2 more days to go!!! Although I have some restriction and I can easily get stuck if I don't take small bites and chew well - I'm still gaining - YIKES. Healthy food choices are limited here. I'm not eating anything other than at Breakfast lunch and dinner and using a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. I'm also avoiding carbs, sauces and Desserts...Still, I'm obviously getting more than I did at home given my weight gain. Not good....I have many more of these to attend over the next few months :thumbup: Must find a better strategy...hopefully my first fill will help.

2 of my 3 children are prone to putting on weight but seem to maintain most of the time. They are now 20 and 18. My 15 year old is a skinny thing. Any way every so often one of them will complain about weight gain and talk about dieting - my reply is always - no diets , just cut out some of the junk and get out and exercise. I think this has worked quite well. I believe my weight gain got out of control from my mother putting me on every fad diet that came along and restricting all my food intake - this led to sneaking food and as i got older, instead of that one piece of cake with everyone else i would sneak off and buy a whole cake and then have to eat it all so i wouldn't be found out. With 2 kids prone to weight gain and one who is skinny i really believe genetics play a big role, cause i don't feed them any differently.

Hey Esin, you are right, there is A LOT of support on this forum and it is really nice knowing when you need that boost or support you got it..right here. :-). I'm sure everything will turn out great for you and in my opinion i am finding out that there really IS no easy way out. I've noticed something in these last few days..since i have been working out everyday.. i definitely have A LOT more motivation, energy, and it's easier to stick to a healthy diet. I know that once i get down to my optimum weight, the band will help keep off the weight gain... i think thats what they mean by it being a "tool" someone posted on here a very useful website.. BariatricEating.com - BE, Inc. The number one bariatric website for Protein, Vitamins, and success. i am grateful for finding it, there are soooooo many yummy recipes.. I wish you well and let us know how it all turns out!! P.S. weather was rainy the last few days here in NY ..but today the sun is shining and it's going to be 81 degrees... too bad i am stuck in a box (my office) at work

I recently saw a new station talking about a new clinical study out showing the effects of WLS on diabetes Type II. I found this article taken from Seattle PI.com Weight Loss Surgery for Diabetes Patients – A Problematic Choice Share4 With obesity rates in the United States and around the world continuously rising, surgery for weight loss is becoming an ever more acceptable option. Now, two clinical studies suggest that diabetics can benefit from operations as well. Type 2 (or adult-onset) diabetes is mostly linked to weight problems and has reached similarly epidemic proportions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of diabetes cases has nearly tripled over the last three decades and affects today more than 20 million Americans. Both study reports – one from Italy, the other from the United States – concluded that surgical procedures, a.k.a. bariatric surgery, by which the size of the stomach is considerably reduced, enabled patients not only to lose weight but also manage their blood sugar levels more effectively than traditional measures like dieting and medication. Bariatric Surgery Can Carry Great Risks, Including Malnutrition The findings, which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may change how many diabetes cases will be treated in the future. Proponents of bariatric surgery say the studies confirmed that stomach size reduction should no longer be seen as a last resort but should be considered earlier in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Others warned that more studies are needed and that the risks in connection with the procedures available today remain high. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), about 200,000 surgical procedures for weight loss are performed annually in the U.S. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says that surgery should only be recommended for people with a body mass index (B.M.I.) of over 40, or over 35 for those with diabetes and other serious illnesses related to weight problems. For the studies, the researchers limited themselves to three types of weight loss surgery: Roux-en-Y, biliopancreatic diversion and sleeve gastrectomy. Roux-en-Y is the most commonly applied method of gastric bypass surgery, by which a small part of the stomach is sealed off and then directly connected to the small intestine. Biliopancreatic diversion removes large parts of the stomach and bypasses the majority of the small intestine as well, which limits both food intake and absorption of nutrients. Sleeve gastrectomy reshapes the stomach into a smaller tube but does not alter the way food enters or leaves it. Needless to say, these are all very drastic steps to prevent weight gain and a host of diseases that often go with it, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and so forth. As a dietitian, my greatest concern is how the anatomical changes affect the metabolism of patients. Because bariatric surgery limits food intake so dramatically and also diminishes the absorption of nutrients, there is a great risk of malnutrition. Especially a sufficient supply of protein, which is extremely important during rapid weight loss for overall health and to allow for proper healing from the surgery, can become hard to obtain. Part of the reason for this is that the initial digestion of proteins takes place in the stomach, which after surgery is not only reduced in size but also in capacity. Even more problematic is the hindered absorption of essential nutrients in the small intestine because some or much of it is bypassed. This affects the absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats but also vitamins and minerals. Potential complications, not only from the surgical procedure itself but also from the nutritional deficiencies, are multiple. Bariatric surgery should never be considered as a quick fix, on par with cosmetic surgery. It is a profound alteration of the digestive system that is risky and requires permanent changes in diet and lifestyle choices. Intensive post-operational counseling and strict observation of nutritional guidelines are an absolute must. Timi Gustafson R.D. is a clinical dietitian and author of the book “The Healthy Diner – How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun”®, which is available on her blog, “Food and Health with Timi Gustafson R.D.” (http://www.timigustafson.com), and at amazon.com. You can follow Timi on Twitter and on Facebook.

Congrats on the 50 lb loss!!!! That's why you're here isn't it? Support! The only thing my mother-in-law ever seems to notice is weight gain not loss so there must be two really good ones out there, brandyII.